[On-site Video] "Investigate Properly" Citizens' Anger Over Sexual Harassment Victim Female Sergeant Case

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon, PD Yoon Jin-geun] "Strict punishment is necessary, and all criminals must be punished through thorough investigations!"

Voices of outrage are growing over the case of a female Air Force non-commissioned officer who, after being sexually harassed by a superior and suffering from coercion, took an extreme step. On the afternoon of the 7th, citizens met in the Myeong-dong area of Jung-gu, Seoul, urging the military authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and implement measures to prevent recurrence.

A university student in their 20s, Mr. A, said, "The victim's human rights are the most important," adding, "Seeing that the victim died, I don't know if there were any inadequate responses or systemic shortcomings, but the military could have handled it better." He continued, "I hope the investigation is conducted as transparently as possible, based on solid evidence."

Mr. B, a citizen in his 50s who said he lives in Goyang-si, Gyeonggi Province, said, "Considering the victim took an extreme step, the military's response was probably inappropriate," adding, "I think the military tried to cover up the incident or quietly let it pass, and it only became known to the public because of the victim's extreme action."

He also pointed out, "I feel that the victim's human rights were not properly protected during the investigation process, and because the suspect's interrogation and situation assessment were not properly conducted, the victim might have taken the extreme step."

Mr. C, a worker in his 40s, said, "The investigation process is one thing, but looking at the results, I think the Air Force's response was very inadequate," adding, "As soon as the incident was identified, the victim and perpetrator should have been separated, and when the victim was transferred, everyone already knew the facts. The whole process was very insufficient." He further criticized, "The military's uniquely closed culture combined with this made the problem more serious."

Meanwhile, President Moon Jae-in stated on the 7th regarding the death of the Air Force non-commissioned officer who was a victim of sexual harassment, "This cannot be overlooked," and urged the establishment of a military culture improvement body involving civilians and the passage of amendments to the Military Court Act.

Blue House spokesperson Park Kyung-mi said in a briefing that afternoon, "President Moon instructed measures to improve military culture during an internal meeting this morning," conveying this message.

Spokesperson Park said, "The president emphasized, 'At this time, beyond individual cases, a comprehensive military culture improvement body should be established as an opportunity for fundamental reform,' and 'Civilians should be allowed to participate in this body.'"

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